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One of the first of its kind in the UK, this MSc Design Research course blends the practices of a designer and a researcher into one coherent pathway.
This new approach to design comes off the back of a shift in the industry, brought about by new disciplines like User Experience (UX) Design, which has led to an increased demand for designers focused on qualitative methods of research in fields such as Service Design, Policy Design, Systems Design, and Design Strategy.
This programme aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge required to:
Become an effective and reflective design research practitioner who can navigate employer and client needs
Gain a critical understanding of design and design research as both a career and a practice
Engage and reflect on different aspects of design research and how it can contribute to a more fair and just society
Effectively apply practical, critical, evaluative, and analytical human-centred design for diverse populations
This programme's approach to learning, teaching and assessment draws on a wide range of strategies which will empower you with the skills to become an independent and flexible life-long learner.
Tutors will use a variety of strategies and formats to share their knowledge on theoretical and practical aspects of design research.
The course offers a face-to-face learning strategy supplemented by a digital learning environment (Moodle) in which students receive information about the modules, reading lists, activities, assessments, etc. Students can also be invited to join online synchronous and asynchronous sessions to complement on-site activities. Face-to-face sessions will have a broad range of approaches.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
One of the first of its kind in the UK, this MSc Design Research course blends the practices of a designer and a researcher into one coherent pathway.
This new approach to design comes off the back of a shift in the industry, brought about by new disciplines like User Experience (UX) Design, which has led to an increased demand for designers focused on qualitative methods of research in fields such as Service Design, Policy Design, Systems Design, and Design Strategy.
This programme aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge required to:
Become an effective and reflective design research practitioner who can navigate employer and client needs
Gain a critical understanding of design and design research as both a career and a practice
Engage and reflect on different aspects of design research and how it can contribute to a more fair and just society
Effectively apply practical, critical, evaluative, and analytical human-centred design for diverse populations
This programme's approach to learning, teaching and assessment draws on a wide range of strategies which will empower you with the skills to become an independent and flexible life-long learner.
Tutors will use a variety of strategies and formats to share their knowledge on theoretical and practical aspects of design research.
The course offers a face-to-face learning strategy supplemented by a digital learning environment (Moodle) in which students receive information about the modules, reading lists, activities, assessments, etc. Students can also be invited to join online synchronous and asynchronous sessions to complement on-site activities. Face-to-face sessions will have a broad range of approaches.
Admission Requirements
4+
56+
6+
2.7+
169+
30 Jun 2026
1 Year
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
8,030 GBP
International
20,540 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
MSc Design Research
Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgramme duration
20,540 GBPTuition Fee/year
30 Jun, 2026Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
This new approach to design comes off the back of a shift in the industry, brought about by new disciplines like User Experience (UX) Design, which has led to an increased demand for designers focused on qualitative methods of research in fields such as Service Design, Policy Design, Systems Design, and Design Strategy.
This programme aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge required to:
This programme's approach to learning, teaching and assessment draws on a wide range of strategies which will empower you with the skills to become an independent and flexible life-long learner.
Tutors will use a variety of strategies and formats to share their knowledge on theoretical and practical aspects of design research.
The course offers a face-to-face learning strategy supplemented by a digital learning environment (Moodle) in which students receive information about the modules, reading lists, activities, assessments, etc. Students can also be invited to join online synchronous and asynchronous sessions to complement on-site activities. Face-to-face sessions will have a broad range of approaches.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
This new approach to design comes off the back of a shift in the industry, brought about by new disciplines like User Experience (UX) Design, which has led to an increased demand for designers focused on qualitative methods of research in fields such as Service Design, Policy Design, Systems Design, and Design Strategy.
This programme aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge required to:
This programme's approach to learning, teaching and assessment draws on a wide range of strategies which will empower you with the skills to become an independent and flexible life-long learner.
Tutors will use a variety of strategies and formats to share their knowledge on theoretical and practical aspects of design research.
The course offers a face-to-face learning strategy supplemented by a digital learning environment (Moodle) in which students receive information about the modules, reading lists, activities, assessments, etc. Students can also be invited to join online synchronous and asynchronous sessions to complement on-site activities. Face-to-face sessions will have a broad range of approaches.
Admission Requirements
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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